STR News.

Airbnb introduces 'Earnings Protection,' a new insurance plan for US hosts, offering supplemental income during unexpected hosting pauses like natural disasters. The plan is customized based on past earnings and addresses host feedback. It complements AirCover for Hosts and is rolling out across 45 states.

An alleged Airbnb host refused a booking upon learning the guest is Black, sparking outrage. This incident highlights the critical importance of non-discrimination and fair housing practices in the STR industry, impacting platform trust and host reputation.

An Airbnb host is facing a lawsuit for allegedly rejecting a Black guest based on the neighborhood's racial demographic. This case highlights critical legal and ethical considerations for hosts regarding discrimination in short-term rentals.

An Airbnb host is facing a lawsuit for allegedly rejecting a Black guest, citing a 'peaceful white neighborhood.' This case highlights potential discrimination issues in STRs and the legal ramifications for hosts. It underscores the importance of adhering to anti-discrimination laws.

This personal account details a host's ban from Airbnb, raising urgent questions for other hosts about platform reliance and potential consequences. It highlights the critical need for hosts to diversify and prepare for unforeseen platform deactivations.

Kansas City Airbnb hosts anticipated a World Cup boost but many are finding it 'a bust.' This sentiment highlights potential over-optimism regarding major event impacts on STR demand, suggesting hosts need realistic expectations and robust booking strategies.

Kansas City is preparing for its first World Cup match in two weeks. The article questions if Airbnb listings are filling up in anticipation of the influx of visitors, a key indicator for STR demand during major events.

Airbnb is campaigning against a proposed tax hike on short-term rentals in Philadelphia as the city's budget vote nears. The campaign highlights potential negative impacts on hosts and the local tourism economy.

Airbnb successfully defended its trademark against an eco-friendly platform's claim for short stays. This ruling clarifies brand protection in the competitive STR market, potentially impacting how new platforms establish their identity and market share.

Airbnb introduces a new optional service for grocery delivery, aiming to enhance guest convenience. This feature allows hosts to offer pre-arrival grocery stocking, reducing guest hassle and potentially improving guest satisfaction and reviews.

Cleveland has approved a crackdown on short-term rentals, potentially leading to the closure of some Airbnb properties. This move signals increasing regulatory scrutiny on STRs in urban areas, impacting hosts' ability to operate.

World Cup 2026 bookings in Atlanta are softer than anticipated for both Airbnb hosts and hotels. This indicates a potential shift in travel demand or booking patterns for major events, prompting hosts to re-evaluate expectations.

OwnerRez rolled out significant May updates: Passkey sign-in, a redesigned guest payment form, and new listing discounts for Airbnb/Vrbo (20%, auto-disabled). Notifications for OwnerRez-powered locks (Schlage, igloohome, Hubitat) are now available, including low battery alerts.

Westminster City Council is urging Airbnb and Booking.com to enforce London's 90-day short-term rental limit, citing an estimated 2,700 properties potentially exceeding the cap. Residents report issues like noise and loss of long-term housing. The council also seeks the removal of council-owned homes from listings.

Airbnb's strategic hire of a Booking.com veteran signals a significant acceleration in its hotel supply growth. This move aims to onboard thousands of independent boutique hotels, leveraging established relationships and operational expertise to challenge existing OTA dominance.

Airbnb has hired a Booking.com expert, D'Amico, to bolster its hotel supply offerings. This move signifies Airbnb's strategic push into traditional accommodation sectors, aiming to integrate more hotels into its platform and compete more directly with established players like Booking.com.

Women hosts on Airbnb are projected to earn the majority of income during the FIFA World Cup 2026, accounting for 53% of active hosts and 50.5% of bookings. This event is expected to be Airbnb's largest hosting event ever, surpassing the Paris Olympics.

Seattle is identified as one of the most expensive World Cup cities for Airbnb stays, according to a recent study. This indicates a significant surge in demand and pricing for short-term rentals during major international events.

Bakersfield is considering new regulations for Airbnb and Vrbo properties, including a potential permit requirement. These stronger rules aim to address concerns surrounding short-term rentals, potentially impacting hosts operating in the city.

Cleveland City Council has passed new regulations for Airbnb and other short-term rentals, increasing rules for hosts. This comes as parking rates also decrease in the city. Hosts need to be aware of these updated compliance requirements.

Airbnb is expanding beyond rentals, incorporating AI, hotels, and World Cup perks. This diversification signals a significant shift, potentially impacting the traditional STR market by offering new accommodation options and enhanced travel experiences.

A Portland Airbnb guest was mistakenly sent to collections after paying her bill, highlighting potential system errors. This incident underscores the importance of diligent payment verification and prompt issue resolution to maintain guest trust and avoid financial disputes.

A Portland Airbnb guest faced collections after paying her bill, highlighting potential payment processing issues. This incident raises concerns for hosts regarding financial record-keeping and guest payment disputes, emphasizing the need for robust communication and verification protocols.

Airbnb is actively challenging Philadelphia's proposed short-term rental tax, drawing renewed scrutiny from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez regarding housing impacts. This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between STR platforms and urban housing affordability.